The Oxford Exchange.

I have been guilty of over-hyping things that excite me. Usually my enthusiasm is towards TV shows: (ahem.... Veep), but I recently went to the Oxford Exchange in Tampa and one would be hard pressed to over-hype this establishment. The Oxford Exchange is a bookstore, restaurant, coffee + tea bar, and a boutique that also offers office/meeting spaces. It was inspired by England's private clubs and libraries. 

Let me tell you some of the details: there is brass everywhere, pine floors in a herringbone pattern, sisal carpet from wall-to-wall in the meeting rooms, dark paneled walls, leather tufted Chesterfield sofas, a retractable roof in the courtyard, and dome chairs (you know my love for those). My heart raced with excitement the first time I visited the Oxford Exchange and it has me awake in bed at night wondering how I could create an establishment with the same vibe in Tallahassee.

Take a look and if you are visiting Tampa, you have to schedule a trip here.

Chicago, Chicago!

I was in Chicago last week for work. With my phone in hand, I snapped away at pretty things. See below:

After seeing these planters, I went out and bought mums for our window box:

I'm one of those taxpayers that is grateful when money is spent on city beautification.

I trudged through the wind and rain to visit Jayson Home and Garden. I've seen their products and advertisements all over the blogs and had to see the store for myself. So glad I made the trip, I am loving everything made from hides these days:



I also visited a couple of floors in the Merchandise Mart: [Wendy, if you are reading this, how great would this wall mounted faucet look as the new ladies/mens room for 7 Rivers?]

Why didn't I think of adding this dog food compartment when we renovated our kitchen?

Perhaps the most beautiful room divider:


I visited my favorite store, the flagship Ralph Lauren store. My first experience in this store almost a spiritual experience. My heart fluttered, I got teary eyed and I was ready to plant myself in the store and never leave - just forward my mail to the 4th floor and give me an oil portrait of my dog, Buster. This trip did not disappoint, but it wasn't as impactful. Still, it's a beauty and worth sharing.

I then moved on to Anthropologie next door. I think these leather details would be a nice addition on my kitchen barstools:

I also bought six rolls of this wallpaper in case we are having a little girl. There are flowers and critters and every color pastel that would lend to a very pretty nursery. If it's a boy, I'll sell them to you. (BTW, I was hoping we would know the gender of the baby, but the ultrasound showed us a baby that was sitting indian-style and would not budge, I should know in three weeks!)

We have a Winner!!

Congrats to Heather for winning the Ramsign giveaway. Thank you to all who entered and for sharing your mothers day gift ideas.

In other news, que the music: all my bags are packed, I'm ready to go...We leave tomorrow for Italia. I should have scheduled guest bloggers, but that would require much more focus and energy than I have. I promise to make up for it with pictures and details of our travels when we return.
This view below is from our balcony where we will stay in Cinque Terre.
Here is the Montorosso Beach in Cinque Terre. I am a coastal girl at heart and looking forward to this leg of our trip the most.
Any last minute recommendations are welcomed. We are going to Rome, Florence, Montalcino, Cinque Terre and Venice.

Ciao!

New York Juant.

I was back in New York this week with work and I wanted to share some highlights.

Everything is in full bloom. The older I get, the more I notice and appreciate these things.


These peonies were simply for sale on a corner. I was tempted to buy them for my hotel room but that would be a little excessive.

My tour guides took me to new places such as the boat basin, corner flea markets and olde good things, an antique store. Susanna, the blond, writes A Fork in New York where she gives great recommendations where you should eat while traveling or living in New York, Miami, Canada or LA.
Angela, dark redish hair sans bump-it writes Take Comfort in the Choas. She's changing lives one kid at a time in the lower east side. They both are co-founders of 100cameras.



A bar I really loved was the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central. It was a former office turned into a bar.

We walked on the High Line, a park built on a section of the former elevated freight railroad. I swear New Yorkers are so innovative because they have to be. When all else fails, build up! It was a clever way to see the city on the lower west side.

Don't forget to enter to win a customized sign from Ramsign. Entry closes tonight at 9. Have a great weekend.

Vacation.

We're headed to my favorite farmhouse in Montgomery, AL for a quick three day weekend.

I love this Southern town because the people are ridiculously welcoming; there is plenty of room to let our dog run off his leash; the farmhouse is beyond amazing; there are delicious cheese straws I can't wait to munch on; and I'm hoping to serendipitously run into Bobby McAlpine.

Do you bloggers know of any shops or restaurants we need to visit?

*I ask so many questions of my readers. I want you to know I really appreciate your answers and suggestions. Thank you and have a wonderful weekend.

Ciao

Italia.

It's official. We're vacationing in Italy this May. {Almost official, I still need to book everything, but we've decided to travel there for 12-14 days.} On the itinerary, which is very flexible right now, we want to see Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice. This is my second time to Italy and Tony's first. I don't want to race around the country. I'd prefer to spend a few days in each place. {And I'm sure that it still won't feel like enough time}

To my readers who have experienced traveling through Italy, I'd love your input: what are we missing, what do we have to see, any ristorantes, shops, hotels, tours, etc...

Equally important, what are comfortable walking shoes? The only time I like to wear tennis shoes is when I am working out, but comfort will trump fashion for this trip. Any fashionable suggestions?

Please leave comments or email me if you have recommendations.

Thanks!

L.A.

I just returned from L.A. [I work as a fundraiser for the FSU Film School. We had a huge alumni event on the other coast, and I was thrilled to participate.]

This was my first trip to Cali and I wish I could tell you of great shops I discovered, but it was pretty much back to back meetings.

One highlight for me was meeting with a friend for dinner at the Avalon. Thanks to Lonny, I already knew about this historic hotel and the renovation that Ms. Kelly Wearstler performed to it.

The hotel was S.W.A.N.K.Y. It was pretty much the only time I had to relax and enjoy LA. So what did I miss? Is there anything I have to do on my next visit?

Hope you all have a great weekend.